Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus Community

Gatherings

March 2017 Gathering
The March Gathering of the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus Community was held at Milledgeville FUMC on Friday, March 10th. There were 50 members in attendance.
Fried chicken was provided by the Lamp Lighters Reunion Group. Covered dishes and desserts were provided by the membership in attendance. The meal was delicious, as usual.
Music was provided by our wonderful ORBEC Music Team and Singers. Praise and worship music lifted up the group for the Fourth Day Speaker as well as the Clergy Response.
Jeanene Vinson gave the Fourth Day Talk. She told of how she thought she just couldn’t fit another group into her schedule, but how much her Reunion Group, the had blessed her and how close all the members had become. She also told of what serving on the ORBEC Board of Servants as well as serving the Community in other ways has meant to her. Her Fourth Days are full of service to others.
Retired Rev. Mike Cavin, the ORBEC Board Spiritual Director for 2017, gave the Clergy Response. Assisted by his wife, Rev. Janet Cavin, Mike celebrated Holy Communion for the group.
The evening ended in singing and praising the Lord for all our many blessings. If you haven’t been to a Gathering, please come and gather with us in Christian Fellowship and love.
The Gathering for April will be held at Lone Oak Baptist Church. More information will follow.
De Colores

ORBEC DECEMBER 2016 GATHERING

What a lovely, love-filled and joyous Gathering was held at FUMC of Greensboro on Carey Station Rd. on December 11. As it has done so many times, this church ,with its generous membership and leadership, hosted ORBEC for wonderful worship and fellowship.

There was a delicious meal served at the beginning of the evening. Ham and turkey were provided by the ladies of the Faith In Action Sunday School Class of FUMC, and the ORBEC Community brought covered dishes and desserts.

The music was provided by the ORBEC Music Team, accompanied by Diane Bassett and David Wallace. Songs of praise and Christmas Carols were included in the program.

Tim Collis shared his inspirational Fourth Day experience, and Rev. Mike Morgan of FUMC of Greensboro gave the Clergy Response. Holy Communion was celebrated by Rev. Morgan with the assistance of Rev. James Smith and Rev. Hugh Hendrickson.

If you haven’t been to a Gathering lately, come on back and enjoy the fellowship with the like-minded members of ORBEC.

NOVEMBER GATHERING 2016

THE GATHERING OF THE OCONEE RIVER BASIN EMMAUS COMMUNITY WAS A BLESSING TO ALL IN ATTENDANCE ON NOVEMBER 11, 2016.THE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH IN EATONTON, GA HOSTED THE COMMUNITY. ORBEC IS INCREDIBLY THANKFUL FOR THE HOSPITALITY AFFORDED US ALL.

THERE WERE 71 MEMBERS AND 1 VISITOR IN ATTENDANCE. THE PROGRAM BEGAN WITH A GREETING FROM JOHN WILSON, ORBEC BOARD GATHERING SERVANT. HE THANKED REV. MIKE WILLARD, THE PASTOR OF BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, FOR HOSTING OUR GATHERING AND WELCOMED ALL WHO CAME.

SHIRLEY WILEY, THE COMMUNITY BOARD LAY DIRECTOR, SPOKE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP AND HOW SPONSORING A PILGRIM BEGINS WITH PRAYER. SHE ASKED THAT EVERYONE BE IN PRAYER FOR GOD TO LAY THE NAME OF SOMEONE ON THEIR HEARTS FOR SPONSORING ON THE WALK TO EMMAUS. THERE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY 2 PILGRIM APPLICATIONS FOR THE WOMEN’S WALK. SHE ALSO RECOGNIZED JANE LANG, WEEKEND LAY DIRECTOR OF THE NEXT WOMEN’s WALK, AND DAVID MCAFEE, WEEKEND LAY DIRECTOR OF THE NEXT MEN’S WALK.

SHE INTRODUCED SUSIE PRESSLEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE, WHO SPOKE ABOUT HER COMMITTEE’S RESPONSIBILITY. SHE ASKED THAT ALL MEMBERS BE PRAYERFULLY CONSIDERING WHO MIGHT BE GOOD PROSPECTS FOR BEING ON THE ORBEC BOARD OF SERVANTS. THERE ARE OPENINGS FOR SOME 4 BOARD SERVANTS, AND HER COMMITTEE IS CHARGED WITH NOMINATING MEMBERS TO JOYFULLY AND DILIGENTLY SERVE IN THOSE OPENINGS. SHE SAID THAT SHE NEEDS THE HELP OF THE COMMUNITY TO FIND INTERESTED MEMBERS.CURRENTLY THERE ARE OPENINGS FOR BOARD CABIN SERVANT, BOARD REUNION GROUP SERVANT, BOARD SPONSORSHIP SERVANT AND BOARD TREASURER. SUSIE ASKED THAT EVERYONE PRAY FOR THE BOARD NOMINATIONS PROCESS IF THEY WERE UNABLE TO SERVE.

JAMES PRESSLEY, WHO IS ON THE ORBEC FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE, GAVE THE GROUP INFORMATION ABOUT THE BLUEGRASS JAMBOREE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT GREENSBORO FUMC ON CAREY STATION RD. ON JANUARY 21, 2017. The BLUEGRASS GROUP,”MONROE CROSSING”, WILL PERFORM BEGINNING AT 7:00PM AND UNTIL 9-00 PM.THE FESTIVITIES WILL BEGIN AT 4:00 PM WITH LOCAL BLUEGRASS BANDS PLAYING AND SINGING OUTSIDE, WHERE THERE WILL BE A BBQ’D HOG FROM GA BUTTS AND ROASTED OYSTERS PREPARED BY JAMES PRESSLEY AND AARON BAXENDALE OF THE RITZ CARLTON RESTAURANT. THERE WILL BE SIDE DISHES OF BEANS, COLESLAW, BREAD, BEVERAGE AND DESSERT SERVED AS WELL.TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT EVENTBRITE.COM. THE FUNDRAISER COMMITTEE WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION BEFORE YEAR END.

THE MUSIC WAS PROVIDED BY CO-BOARD MUSIC SERVANTS JIM AND SANDY RUDOLPH, ACCOMPANIED BY TIM COLLIS, DAVID WALLACE, DAVID BREWER, DAVID PAYNE AND GUEST SINGER SHANNON WILLARD.THE MUSIC FILLED THE ROOM WITH JOY IN THE LORD AND PRAISE FOR OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. EVERYONE IN THE GROUP SANG AND CLAPPED AND RAISED THEIR HANDS IN PRAISE. IT WAS A BLESSING TO BE A PART OF IT.

DAVID AND JENNIFER BREWER BROUGHT THEIR FOURTH DAY TALKS ON THIS EVENING. BOTH OF THEM WERE TOUCHING IN THEIR PRESENTATION, AND THEY INSPIRED THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WITH THE STORIES OF THEIR TRIALS AND REWARDS IN THEIR FOURTH DAY WALKS.

REV. MIKE WILLARD GAVE THE CLERGY RESPONSE TO THE FOURTH DAY TALK. HE SAID WHAT MANY WERE THINKING ABOUT THE WALKS DAVID AND JENNIFER HAD BEEN ON. HE COMMENDED THEM FOR SHARING THEIR DEEPEST FEELINGS AND FAMILY LIFE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THEIR WALK TO EMMAUS.AFTER REV. WILLARD’S PRAYER FOR THE SICK AND THOSE IN NEED, THE COMMUNITY LIFTED UP THE NAMES OF MANY FOR GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE.

REV. WILLARD ,ASSISTED BY REV. JAMES SMITH, CELEBRATED HOLY COMMUNION. THE COMMUNITY THEN SHARED IN FINGER AND NOT-SO FINGER FOODS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE EVENING’S GATHERING.

THIS WAS TRULY A SPIRIT LED GATHERING. IF YOU CAN COME AND WANT A BLESSING OF FELLOWSHIP, MUSIC, FUN AND FOOD PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE DECEMBER GATHERING ON DECEMBER 9,2016 AT GREENSBORO FUMC ON CAREY STATION ROAD. A MEAL WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 PM, FOLLOWED BY FELLOWSHIP, MUSIC, A FOURTH DAY TALK AND HOLY COMMUNION.

DE COLORES SC

OCTOBER 2016 GATHERING

The October Gathering was hosted by Hopewell UMC on October 14th. A delicious Spaghetti Supper was prepared by the members of Hopewell. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the meal. ORBEC was truly blessed by the Hopewell hospitality.

There were lovely table centerpieces, created by Jeanie Wilson, with miniature mums. There were 45 members in attendance.

Music of praise and worship was provided by Jim and Sandy Rudolph, Tim Collis and their Gathering Band. John Wilson gave an inspirational Fourth Day Talk, followed by the Clergy Response by retired Rev. Mike Cavin.

The Gathering closed with joyful music, with everyone having had a special evening

ORBEC SEPTEMBER 2016 GATHERING

The September 2016 ORBEC Gathering was hosted by Madison FUMC in Madison, GA. Our Emmaus Community is grateful for their warm welcome and hospitality. The evening began at 6:00 PM with a lot of fried chicken, which was very good. The membership furnished delicious side dishes and desserts. Jeanie Wilson created lovely flower arrangements for all the tables with flowers from the garden of Jane Lang. Each arrangement had a meaningful Bible verse.

John Wilson greeted everyone and recognized visitors, new members and Board members present. There were 49 in attendance including visitors. He made several announcements and turned the program over to Community Lay Director, Shirley Wiley, who gave a short lesson on Sponsorship.

At 7:00 PM those in attendance moved to the Worship area, and the music team led the group in praise and worship songs.The music team included Board Music Servant, Jim Rudolph, Sandy Rudolph, Tim Collis, David Brewer, Bud Lewis and Preston Collis.

Pete Topken was the Fourth Day speaker on this evening. He shared how hisReunion Group is most important to him in his Fourth Day. He suggested that Reunion Groups try to keep no more than 6 members, because the closeness to and confidence in a few members is easier than in a larger group. Pete also shared his hope and desire that our church leaders and church members do more to woo the “seekers,” the “lost,”, and the “unchurched” into the church.

In his Clergy Response Rev. Hugh Hendrickson reiterated that those segments of our communities mentioned by Pete need HOPE and know that Christ is the Way to that HOPE. He suggested that we, as Christiansare responsible for that communication. Rev Hugh and the members remembered the sick and anguished in prayer to our Heavenly Father. Later, he was assisted by Jim Rudolph and Ken Pressley in the celebration of Holy Communion.

The music team and the members closed the evening with a rousing rendition of I’ll Fly Away. The Gathering ended at 8:05 PM.

We are grateful for the use of the facilities as well as the hospitality the church extends to us.

The Dinner meal main course was smoked chicken, lovingly provided and prepared by Dan and Janet Kelhoffer, with other member assistance. The ORBEC members in attendance provided a variety of sides to compliment the main course as well as the ever-full dessert table.

After the meal there was a short business discussion conducted by John Wilson, Shirley Wiley and David McAfee.

Music was provided by the Board Music Servant, Jim Rudolph, Sandy Rudolph, Tim Collis, David Brewer and Dale Ward. As always, the Music Team chose songs of praise and love for our Heavenly Father.

There were 54 in attendance, 5 of whom were visitors. There were 2 clergy members in attendance.

Tammy and Carroll Smith shared their Fourth Day experiences in a very moving Talk.

Rev. James Smith gave the Fourth Day Clergy Response and celebrated Holy Communion. He was assisted in Communion by retired pastor, Ron Schornhorst and David McAfee.

The evening ended at approximately 8:15. It was a good evening, full of good food, good fellowship and lots of praise and worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ORBEC is thankful for the hospitality of the church and its members and Pastor, James Smith.

The meal was a delicious Spaghetti Supper with all the fixin’s including a number of salads, French bread and lots of desserts. The Promisekeepers Reunion Group provided the Spaghetti, and it was outstanding.

Music was provided by Jim Rudolph and his group of Mighty Praisers in accompaniment. The new sound system, purchased by the Board this summer, made for joyful music, and praise resounded through the Eatonton countryside.

The Fourth Day Talk was given by Cindy Nunn. She used the Priorities Talk of the Walk to Emmaus to share how her Fourth Day has evolved. It was a very inspiring and compelling Talk.

Rev. James Smith gave the Clergy Response to the Fourth Day Talk by reminding everyone that God should always be our priority. He then celebrated Holy Communion.

This evening was another successful Gathering of like-minded Christians who love their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and love to praise Him. S.C.

JUNE GATHERING DOUBLES AS THE FIRST FUNDRAISER OF 2016

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE
The June Fundraiser was held on June 10th, and was a lovely evening. The turnout exceeded expectations, and the event was successful in raising more than $3600. in funds for ORBEC future walks.

Temperatures outside were in the 90s, but inside the fellowship hall at Greensboro FUMC at Carey Station, Emmaus members and their guests walked into a Christmas wonderland through a lovely arch and to tables decorated for Christmas. All the merriment was the creation of the Emmaus decorating team of Sandy Rudolph, Darlene Nicklow, Diane Bassett, Shirley Wiley, Ann Maddox and Linda Ervin.

The program started with the Music Director of Greensboro FUMC, Alexis Renee Ford, leading everyone in traditional Christmas songs. Greensboro FUMC Associate Pastor Hugh Hendrickson modeled his ugly Christmas sweater. Entertainment was provided by storyteller, Jim Martin. Jim attends Walker United Methodist Church. He shared, in a comical way, his growing up in Duluth, Georgia in the 40s with nine other siblings from his parents’ blended family. Christmas was a special time, and he got the same red wagon from Santa for three straight years! Needless-to say, his Dad was very creative.

The silent auction was conducted by Ron Lang. It was a very successful addition to the Fundraiser. The desserts for the Dessert Contest were served by Celeste Pressley with her children, Emma, Sam, Annie, and Beau and Linda Ervin. Emma was also Santa from time to time. Each slice/serving of dessert cost $1 and was also an excellent money maker for the Fundraiser. The $100 gift certificate from Clothing Depot/Greensboro was won by Ann Maddox for the most votes for her banana pudding.

Jane Lang and Associate Pastor, Hugh Hendrickson, conducted the drawing for the Door Prize of a week in Highlands, NC. The winners were Ken and Susie Pressley.

The Fundraising Committee would like to thank everyone who helped make our Christmas in June event so successful. This was the result of the efforts of our wonderful Emmaus Community and the giving of their time, energies and ideas. We are grateful to each of you.

May 2016 Gathering

The afternoon was warm, the sky was clear, the breeze was ever so light, and about 80 members and guests of the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus Community turned out for the May Gathering at Mike Rainey’s farm in Eatonton. What a beautiful location it is, and Mike is so very generous to host the Emmaus Community.

The Fisherman and Wayfarers Reunion Groups provided hot dogs, cooked onsite, and the fixins’ for the meal, and the Community brought various side dishes to accompany them. There was potato salad, various kinds of slaw, pasta salads, baked beans, chips, and a variety of desserts. Everyone present seemed to enjoy the meal.

ORBEC Lay Director, Shirley Wiley, welcomed the membership and asked that any guests with them be introduced. Again this month there was a large number of new members from Walks 13 and 14 which were held the first of April.

James Pressley updated the group on the progress of the current Fundraiser which is the focus of the June Gathering, called Christmas in June. He announced that there are a few tickets left for the dinner for two for the evening and a chance to win the Door Prize of a week’s stay in beautiful Highlands, NC. The cost for the ticket is $50.00. If you don’t want to participate in the drawing, the cost of the gourmet meal of either chicken or salmon will be $10.00. There will also be a Best Dessert Contest, and members were encouraged to enter their favorite dessert recipe.

Flo Douglas, ORBEC Team Selection Servant, asked that anyone who is interested in serving on Walk #15 or #16 next Spring see her before leaving, so that she can get their name and contact information. Flo also noted that the success of Walks #13 and #14 was the direct result of excellent sponsorship. She asked that all members be praying about the upcoming walks and who they know could benefit from them. Then pray for them.

Janet Kelhoffer announced that she and her husband, Dan, were in the process of establishing a Women’s and a Men’s Reunion Group at Eatonton FUMC. She asked for those interested to contact Dan or her for more information and to get in on the ground floor of the setting up of the two groups.

The music for the Gathering was provided by David Wallace, Jim Rudolph, Sandy Rudolph and Diane Bassett. They led those in attendance in a number of old hymns for the evening.

Susie Pressley was the Fourth Day speaker for this Gathering. She was asked to give the Fourth Day story of the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus Community. She gave a short description of the origin of The Walk to Emmaus, and explained how it began as a Roman Catholic retreat and was adopted and adapted for use by Protestant churches in the United States. Susie shared some of the many blessings the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus Community has received, including the generosity of many of its members, local churches, and the foresight of those members who decided to start ORBEC in 2011. She noted that in its six year existence, ORBEC has completed 14 Walks and is looking forward to many more.

Michael Stewart, ORBEC Community Spiritual Director, was assisted by retired Pastor, Ron Shornhorst and Hugh Hendrickson, Assistant Pastor of Greensboro FUMC, in celebrating Holy Communion. Michael’s message was about how the Holy Spirit and His testifying of Christ in us gives us the Fruit of the Spirit. He noted how the Fruit of the Spirit, likewise, works in marriage.

The May Gathering ended at dusk, with a beautiful horizon to complete a beautiful day, evening and ORBEC Gathering.

De Colores SC

Special April Gathering 2016

Typically ORBEC doesn’t plan to hold a Gathering in the week after Walks to Emmaus weekends. TO EVERY RULE THERE IS AN EXCEPTION. There was a Gathering in April, following Walks #13 & 14, however, and it was EXCEPTIONAL.

There were 108 community members and visitors in attendance on April 15, 2016. The Gathering was held at Milledgeville FUMC in Milledgeville, GA. The ORBEC membership is blessed to be hosted by churches within the community and lovely local properties. We are grateful for their hospitality.

The evening began with praise music and announcements. The music was provided by Sandy Rudolph, Courtney Hitchcock, Tim Collis and Alan Deariso. Susie Pressley welcomed the members and visitors, with a special welcome to the many new members from Walks #13 & 14 who were in attendance. She announced a Fundraiser coming up in June, and turned the microphone over to James Pressley who explained the Fundraising plans. See “What’s New” on the menu of this website for more information. It’s exciting!

The dinner followed, with fried chicken provided by the ORBEC Board of Servants and wonderful side dishes and desserts, too numerous to name, provided by the membership. Everyone appeared to enjoy the meal.

Charles and Diane Beasley gave a joint Fourth Day Talk. They shared how they have taken Christ’s command to make Disciples seriously and how they have been blessed in doing so.

Holy Communion was celebrated by ORBEC Spiritual Director, Michael Stewart, assisted by retired pastors Mike Cavin and Ron Schornhorst. Michael shared a message from the Biblical Book of Philemon. He compared the story of Paul’s love of Onesimus, brother and slave of Philemon, to the love God has for His children.

The exception which was made to hold an April Gathering truly became an Exceptional one! If you haven’t been attending Gatherings, you’re missing an integral step on your Walk To Emmaus. and an integral part of your Fourth Day. Come and join your Oconee River Basin Emmaus Community at the next Gathering at Mike Rainey’s farm on Pea Ridge Road between Eatonton and Milledgeville on May 13th.

The February Gathering was a really good one. We gathered at Walker UMC, and there were 65 in attendance. Everyone was happy to see Roger and Pat Lamb in attendance and happy Roger is doing so well. Jan Harrington brought her Mom as her guest. There were also three of our Clergy members in attendance.

The Fourth Day Talk was given by a friend of Dianne Gibson and Teresa Osborne. To quote Linda Ervin, ” Her talk was awesome.” Her name is Priscilla Skipper. She told of how she went to prison in 1992. She was chosen for Kairos in 1996. She said that before Kairos she felt defeated, alone, no self esteem and left out. Once she experienced Kairos she knew she was loved by God. She began depending on him for her every need within her present surroundings. She put God first in her life and lived that faith within her hostile environment.

After being denied parole several times she was selected for Transitional Housing to being her reemergence back into society. While there she was allowed to have a job outside the prison. She developed skills for employment. In September 2015 she was released back into society. She is now involved in many ministries. She attends church regularly. She is still supported by Kairos volunteers in the free world. Everyone in attendance was blessed by her testimony.

Dave Wallace, Dianne Gibson and Teresa Osborne provided the music for the evening. They led the group in a number of Gaither songs.

There was, as always, good food provided this time by the Men of Walker UMC and accompanied by covered dishes from the community. Everyone certainly appeared to enjoy the meal.

If you’ve never attended an ORBEC Gathering it’s time you did. There is always good food, good music, good fellowship and the presence of Jesus Christ wherever we gather. Come and see what you’ve been missing. SC De Colores

The January Gathering was held in yet, another Historic Church in the Lake Country of Putnam County. There were 42 folks in attendance, 3 of whom were visitors, at Union Chapel UMC. There were also 3 Pastors in the group; Karon Compton, Mike Cavin and James Smith were all present on this evening. There was delicious Bar-B-Q provided by the Board of Servants and many side dishes and desserts furnished by the Community. After the meal the group surprised Sheryl Causey by singing “Happy Birthday” to her, and giving her a luscious chocolate cupcake. Age was not discussed.

The Community adjourned to the lovely church sanctuary, where David Wallace led the group in Praise songs, which he carefully selected for the evening. An inspirational Fourth Day Testimony was given by Diane Bassett.

Pastor of Union Chapel UMC, Karon Compton, shared a message about the importance of a Fourth Day Community. She, assisted by Mike Cavin, served Holy Communion at the Lord’s Table.

There was one piece of Community business after the Lord’s Supper. Dianne Gibson, Community Lay Director, called for a vote on a slate of new Board Servants to replace retiring Servants in 2016. There was a majority vote in favor, and the election of the slate of Board Servants was approved by the Community in attendance.

The January Gathering was enjoyed by all, and John Wilson, Gathering Board Servant, thanked Pastor Karon Compton for the hospitality of Union Chapel UMC. SC

It was a lovely evening for the December Gathering. There were 42 in attendance, 5 of whom were pastors of local churches and all Emmaus members. Mike Morgan, pastor of Greensboro FUMC, Hugh Hendrickson, associate pastor of Greensboro FUMC, Gary Whatley, pastor of Hopewell UMC, James Smith, pastor of Wesley Chapel UMC and Ron Shornhorst, a retired Lutheran pastor were all in attendance.

The food was, as always, delicious, and the tables were all decorated with “The Reason for the Season” manger arrangements. John Wilson thanked Mike Morgan and the congregation of Greensboro FUMC for their hospitality in hosting this Gathering.

Susie Pressley, Community assistant Lay Director conducted a short meeting. She reminded everyone of the Community Training date of January 16, 2016, and announced that there would be Walk Talk Writing Training for those interested in meeting with her at the Spotlight Theater on December 16th. Shirley Wiley was introduced as the new Community Lay Director for the next term. Finally, there were 9 Board Servant positions opening up, and a slate consisting of the new nominees was voted on and approved.

December’s Gathering program was a special Advent Celebration, and was fashioned after the Advent Service held at Christ’s Church in Jerusalem. Mike Morgan, pastor of Greensboro FUMC, the location of the Gathering, conducted the Advent Service, assisted by Jan Harrington and Ken Langolf. Flo Douglas led a chorus of ORBEC members and the attendees in songs in praise of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Linda Helton accompanied beautifully on piano. Sheryl Causey gave the Fourth Day Talk. SC